You've heard of mineral water and mineral supplements.

Now, mineral cosmetics are the newest thing to rock your world.

Touted as able to hide flaws and enhance your features without clogging pores and inflaming skin, mineral make-up sounds like a godsend for those with sensitive skin.

Vogue magazine even listed mineral-based make-up as one of its 25 new obsessions for this year in its January issue.

At least four places here - ranging from clinics to spas - have started bringing it in over the past six months.

But just what makes mineral make-up so different from regular face paint?

For starters, unlike ingredients in conventional cosmetics, minerals - such as magnesium, potassium, zinc, titanium dioxide and sodium - are naturally occurring substances.

They are inert, and so are made into cosmetics with a long shelf-life free from preservatives, such as talc and other synthetic chemicals.

Talc, found in most face powders, is a common skin and eye irritant.

"Mineral cosmetics are less likely to irritate or cause acne breakouts," says Dr Chris Foo, consultant dermatologist at Raffles Hospital.

"I would recommend them to people who have sensitive skin or are prone to acne breakouts."

That's great news for folks with skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema, who could never take to regular make-up.

As for those who have undergone cosmetic procedures such as laser treatments or chemical peels, mineral make-up can also be used without causing flare-ups.

In fact, plastic surgeon Ivor Lim of The Plastic & Hand Surgery at Camden Medical Centre started stocking the high-grade Youngblood mineral cosmetics for patients to cover redness, severe lesions and scars.

Another plus: Mineral make-up contains blends of minerals and pigments that have been so finely pulverised that it feels weightless on the skin.

But there are downsides. Although they are often in a powdered form, most mineral foundations have to be "set" by a finishing powder to prevent an unwanted midday sheen.

Also, those who are used to blending colours from eyeshadow cakes with their fingers will have to learn to use brushes to apply the loose powder versions of mineral colours.

While mica - a crystallised mineral - gives a subtle glow, pure mineral make-up generally creates a matte finish, not the dewy look afforded by liquid foundations and cream sheens.

But even with their light texture, mineral products offer great coverage without the mask-like feel of wearing a liquid foundation.

Remember how Mum used to warn you that wearing make-up is bad for your skin?

You don't have to worry with mineral products. Because they're non-comedogenic, mineral cosmetics don't clog pores and cause zits and whiteheads.

MAC, which launched two mineral products earlier this year, also claims that mineral ingredients nurture the skin and protect the wearer from harmful UV exposure.

And with lines that suit a range of budgets, it doesn't take much to give this natural beauty product a shot.